Hanauma Bay Trail

Love this hike, the views are stunning. If you want a nice cardio workout just take paved trail to the end. If you want a more vigorous work out you can actually hike down to the rock bridge area. The hike down is steep in areas with loose gravel so watch your footing. Once down I do not recommend going on the bridge, it’s neat to see but stay off! Many have been swept off the bridge by a wave and some have lost their lives. The hike back up is a steep one. This is a great leg workout! I recommend going in the morning since there is minimal shade in this trail and the sun can be brutal. Don’t forget to bring water!

My most favorite hike. Easy to moderate trail with the gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean, Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and Hawaii Kai. The view is breath-​taking, especially coupled with the blue-​green waters of the ocean.

This is definitely my second favorite trail. Very steep but worth the try if you can make it to the top of the mountain, where you can oversee almost the whole island, if weather permits. It is probably takes 1.5 hours to get up and longer to go down. Watch out your steps: it’s not easy to go down the hill as some of the rocks are loose/​steps not paved smoothly. I saw people stumble/​trip over. Also watch out your surroundings!

This is one of my favorite trails. It is a great workout with awesome views. The start of this hike is a paved road, two inclines up to the top of the crater. You can see into Hawaii Kai, towards Diamond Head and along the coast towards the blowhole. If you want, you can walk to the end of the paved road, take in the breathtaking views and then turn around and go back down.
I like to hike down to the lip of the crater and look back into Hanauma Bay. To do this, you need to go down (be careful — it is quite steep and there are a lot of loose rocks). There is another slight incline and you will have the breathtaking view of the bluest ocean waters ever!!! Continue along the trail to the tip of the crater, stop and look back in. If you look towards your left you can see the trail going back up to the paved road. This is actually one of the best parts of the hike for me. Although it is a lengthy incline, I enjoy stopping every once in a while to look at the sights from the different heights (and rest my legs… LOL).
If there are kona winds, I do not recommend doing this hike. There is little to no shade and will get hot quickly. Tradwinds will be your savior. Don’t forget your water!!!
**CAUTION — WARNING** In July 2015 the hike was closed with a warning of a $ 500 fine for trespassing. This was because of an incident at the «land bridge». When the tide is high and the waves are rough, people have been swept away. I haven’t been down to the land bridge, could not find the correct way. I have been on this hike recently and there are a lot of hikers and people just walking their dogs.

This is a very special place. The views of the ocean and the land is beautiful. The initial path up is paved — easy, uphill walk. You can continue on the paved path or take the trail to the left which will lead you to the rock bridge. There are many reviews here that explain in detail on how to get there, so I won’t go into that detail.
I will say a few things about the infamous rock bridge. This is the smallest of the rock bridges people frequently explore on Oahu. When you get to the rock bridge, do not attempt to walk on it. The waves are unpredictable, its not worth it.
It isn’t difficult to get to, however, I do not recommend small children on this adventure. The landscape and views are spectacular. I recommend heading there early as it is an open landscape and HOT. Bring at least 1 liter of water, sunscreen and maybe a hat. Wear shoes with good grip, appropriate footwear unless you want to lose your footing.

Decided to take this adventure without the usual prep. We definitely paid for our ignorance.
The recommended essentials:
1. Water and small snacks-​lots of H2O if you plan on going during the sun’s peak hours
2. Hat, sunscreen and cool clothing-it’s definitely hot out there with little to no shade
3. A fully charged camera/​phone for great shots
Parking: you can park in the surrounding residential areas or (if you’re lucky) in the Hanauma Bay lot-​$ 1.00. I suggest to use the restroom at the Bay prior to the hike. *Kamaaina (with id’s) entrance to Hanauma Bay is free.
We parked in the lot and walked up the stairs to the hill which took us to the red gate-​entrance to the hike. We started the quick ascent, following the paved path. Great leg workout. We came to the point (not too far up) where we had to decide to take the left to the carved path through the steep hill or continue with the paved path. We took the detour. The steep incline was totally deceiving. Try and avoid the small pebbles/​rocks and stick to the solid rock when descending. My 11 y/​o was a little scared, so she pretty much squatted the whole way down.
Once we descended down the first hill, we decided to climb the second hill (not too bad) to rest and snack up. Great photos from this vantage point! So awesome to see this side of the Bay and Koko Head. After a quick rest, we started up again to make our way to the bridge. You’ll need to go through a narrow bush entrance and you’ll end up staring down to a flat large rock. Descend down the rocks. You’ll see the bridge to the right of that large flat rock. We avoided going on the bridge because we cherish our lives and the lives of rescue workers. You can get great photos without risking it.
Take time to enjoy the beauty because the climb up the three hills is ridiculous (IMHO) if you’re not a skilled hiker. Have fun!

I came here in for one reason to find the infamous rock bridge. At first we got lost as we went to the wrong location in the hike. It was good bc we was able to stumble upon a nice cove and a secret fishing spot. I finally decided to ask another hiker and he pointed us in the right direction. The bridge was still hard to find but I got lucky as my camera lens hood came off and I chased it to the water front. From here I saw the small bridge to the right of the large flat rock flat. It was worth it as it was nice view. However I did not attempt to cross it bc the current and waves were too strong today. One day I will attempt to cross it. Overall it was a nice hike. There are a lot of steep inclines and declines so it can be rough. My knee started to hurt after a while. The scenic views are awesome and too able to get panoramic shots of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma bay.

I’m going to give you very specific directions on how to get to the hidden Rock Bridge. Only because my friends & I got completely lost trying to find this bridge and walked down all kinds of random «trails» (quotation marks, because it could’ve possibly not been a trail? And I was hallucinating?) down towards the ocean and ended up doing some rock climbing and shit. Shit gets old after climbing down 3 cliffs only to not find anything but the edge of the Earth and the ocean. Three times.
First, parking. I parked at Koko Crater Trail lot, walked straight towards the road (keeping Koko Crater to my left), walked around the closed gate, crossed the big Kalanianaole Hwy, got on the paved trail on the right (keeping Hanauma Bay to my left). It’s a short 5 minute walk from parking! Plus, I felt safer keeping my car in the busy Koko Crater lot.
Second, the paved trail. You’ll come across a gate– it may be closed. It was closed when we got there at 630am, we just went under it. Plenty of people doing the hike so I wasn’t worried. The paved trail makes a pretty good incline (good workout), wrapping around Hanauma Bay so you’ll get a nice view once you gain some elevation. Come at sunrise– it’s picture perfect.
Third, off-​roading. As you walk on the nicely paved trail up and around Hanauma Bay, you’ll see an obvious dirt trail to your left. You won’t miss it– fairly large dirt trail that’ll lead you down a steep hill. Follow the trail down. and eventually it’ll turn into loose rocks/​gravel, so watch your step. Wear shoes with good traction or you’ll go sliding down, down, down. Might get a concussion but at least you beat everyone to the bottom? Ha. Once you get to the bottom, it levels out a bit and the trail once again appears. The trail separates into left and right– We went left (seemed easier). I also got some awesome pictures of the sunrise over the ocean so I think I made the right (left) choice. ;) You’ll soon come across another hill (not as big). Climb the hill up— and then climb the hill back down. When you climb over this particular hill, you’ll be greeted with an ‘out of the world’ view of trees straight outta safari (not Compton). I felt like I was in Lion King. Which also meant I wasn’t going straight through that congregation of safari trees (and probably lions). We went left, again. I walked around those safari trees and came across another (smaller) hill. Climb up this small hill and you’ll see the vast ocean in front of you. The trail continues on to the right— and this is where I messed up. We followed the trail for a very long time. Don’t do that. Walk straight down the cliff instead. Watch your footing– it’s all rocks and you have to make a few (small) jumps down these huge rocks. You won’t see the rock bridge from the top, but you will see a large flat rock at the bottom. If you don’t see this ginormous flat rock in the ocean, don’t climb down. You messed up somewhere, backtrack, ask fellow hikers.
*special: We did see whales from this point! So keep an eye out. Whale season: winter.
Fourth and finally, the long-​awaited Rock Bridge. It takes a few minutes to climb down all the huge rocks, but once you reach the bridge, it’s all worth it. It’s not as big as pictures make it seem– but I still think it’s incredible. What can I say? Nature amazes me. We made sure to go when it was low tide— less chance of the bridge being washed out. So check your surf report before you go to make the most of your hike. We did stand on the bridge but it was terrifying (even during low tide), because the waves were crashing against the rocks and it sprayed the rock bridge each time. People have died here from being swept away from the waves, so go with caution!
Overall— good work out. Extra good for us, because we climbed multiple unnecessary cliffs.

Hemingway said the hardest thing for him to learn as a young writer was how to «cover terrain». Moving Subjects from point A to point B.
There are two ways to start this hike.
One, you can (if you go early and the lots not full) park at Hanauma Bay and work your way back up to the access road. You’ll see it on your immediate right as you enter the winding road leading to Hanauma Bay’s parking. Unless you plan to go to this beach after, I have a better way.
The second way, and recommended for just the hike, is to park on Nawiliwili, it’s the first road past the park entrance, coming from Sandy’s or the last right coming up from Hawaii Kai shopping center.
Street parking is easy. Walk back to Kalanianaole (say that five times really, really fast!). 150 paces up (I counted for you!) you’ll pass 7371 (I also took notes!), there you’ll find a broken retaining wall, and a trail. Follow this trail and you just shaved thirty to forty useless minutes on this incredible hike.
At the top you emerge onto a paved access road, march uphill 900 (again!) paces, small trails will appear on the left, they all converge, you can see the overland trail plainly. Don’t go to far up as it’s harder to get back.
1. If you are Vitamin D sensitive, wear plenty sunblock. Very little shade.
2. Take a back pack, beer, water, are a indispensable pleasure.
3. Head cover, man that sun can be hot!
4. Hiking time with pics, breaks, relaxation, about two hours. It can be done in less. ;)
This trail covers several different types of terrain:
You’ll walk through (early morning!) moist grass, the dew clinging to your legs (feels NICE!) and see the «wrecking yard».
Head down hill and just follow the well defined path. It is a up and down hike with the longest, and easiest part being the first way down, but what goes down, must come up.
There will be places that look like you are walking on the Thing’s back (comic book ref!), and/​or slippery gravel, walk on Ben Grimm, it’s the safest. Hanauma Bay and Koko Head will be beautifully displayed on your left.
Once you come up the first hill, you’ll see a large pile of stone. I’m not sure of the exact symbolism, and I prefer not to get into it, but travel right a bit from here and you’ll see the Ancestral Home of the ‘Ihi’lhilauakea. A native plant found only on Oahu and Moloka’i. You’ll know when you get here as it appears like something from the Serengeti. Wavy brown field in the summer and lush green during the rainy season, surrounded by kiawe. It’s a great spot to commune.
Follow the path back uphill, just when you see the Pacific clearly defined (it looks like if you go straight ahead you’ll fall off) a field of volcanic rock will present itself.
Small coral litters the area, and the terrain resembles the eroded badlands of North Dakota. From here you’ll see your destination. A large flat table of rock with the spray of crashing waves.
Work your way down, plot your path carefully, as it can be tricky. At the bottom is the natural land bridge (do NOT take a chance walking on this!). Take time to enjoy this natural wonder and all that it can deliver, it is a barren paradise.
Head back the way you came.
This is a wondrous journey. You will get a great leg and glute workout. Take the time to enjoy what you’ll find, I find something different each and every time I’m here. Remember the «wrecking yard» reference the last and longest hill back up can give you the jimmy leg!!!
If you wanna go to Hanauma Bay stay on the access road and walk in, you can head back to your car later. No one ever said you can’t change your mind!
This place is Special.
If you are an avid hiker, then I don’t need to explain the rules. Take care where you step, avoid the waves, take your time, Aloha Aina, and have fun.
Aloha

Make sure you bring lots water for this hike. It’s pretty slippery because of all the dirt and loose rocks so make sure your shoes have grip… If not, I did it bare foot because my shoes made me slip a few times. The rock bridge was well worth going down for but it is tricky since it’s a little hidden. I don’t think it’ll be appropriate for younger children.

If you want a fairly easy trail, this is a great one. The only thing is you’ll be walking up and down steep hills (which is also a good workout!!!).
The «bridge» everyone goes to is just okay to me. It’s literally just a huge rock that goes over water. But you need to be very careful here. Waves down there can be unpredictable so just make sure you are always aware of the movements of the ocean.
What I really like about this trail is the awesome view. You can see Koko head, Hanauma Bay, Hawaii Kai, etc. It’s beautiful!

The trail isn’t that bad going down but coming up can suck, especially if your dragging a lot of stuff with you.
We paid the $ 2 for unlimited rides up and down.

Located right across the street from the Koko Head trail, I consider the Hanauma Bay Trail Koko Head’s little sister. This particular hike definitely isn’t as strenuous as Koko Head because the incline isn’t as steep but trust and believe-​she will still give you a good calf burn. The main trail is paved most of the way and is a relatively short hike (if you stay on the paved trail) and worth a shot because of the beautiful panoramic, actually, more like 360 degree and unobstructed view of Hawaii Kai, Koko Head and Hanauma Bay.
While most of the main trail is paved, there are many unpaved routes that lead down to the rock bridge. As always, every hike is what you make of it and depending on what type of hike you’re looking for, you can go beyond the paved walkway and explore the rocky area of the bay. While I can say much more about this trail’s beauty, I will let my pictures speak for themselves!

One of my favorite hikes I’ve done so far. Beautiful view of the Haunama Bay & Koko head.
Not much shade so use sunscreen or cover up.
Simple enough hike. I even saw people running with their dog.
The hidden rock bridge was nice. But couldn’t go on it because high tide that day. The waves were crashing hard too.
It’s kind of slippery because of loose rocks. Just watch your footing. The scenery is really nice. Definitely once a place that had lava running down it.
I recommend this hike to those who love taking pictures.
Just be careful when you get by the rock bridge !
One of our friends got cut up by the rocks because the strong waves came by and almost took them out.

Great little hike, do the circuit and hit the rock bridge on the dark side of the moon. About a hour long but bring water if hiking in the sun. Lots of people on the weekends but consider catching sunrise with a coffee at the peak. It’s really neat and slow and low intensity if you pace yourself. The good news is that you get to see Koko head from a different angle as well as the bay and rock bridge. It’s a really great hike if you are our hiking with a new buddy and want to gauge their skill level.
Safe travels !

This trail has been on my bucket list of hikes to do for some time now. Just finally had the chance to do it this past weekend. I love the open panoramic views of Hanauma Bay and the Pacific you get throughout this trail.
I’ve been reading a lot of the reviews here and have to thank my other Yeeps for the short cut directions to get to the start. Once you find the opening along Kalanianalole, your heart rate go up up pretty quick as you make your way uphill. However, unlike Koko Head, you have lots of room to stop and catch your breath without impeding on others.
Many do this loop gong clockwise by heading down towards the rock bridge a little past the halfway point along the paved path. You can also do it going counter clockwise by going up on the paved path past the towers and then making your way down. Either way you go, be careful of loose rocks and dirt and try to keep your footing on the solid rocks. It’s pretty steep going down, but very doable if you go slow.
There are big rocks you have to climb down if you want to check out the rock bridge below. Definitely worth checking out if you have more time to spare (watch out for the big swells!). Another cool lookout point is overlooking Hanauma Bay before you make your way back up. I really enjoyed this trail and will be back to do it many times again for sure!

The Hanauma Bay rock bridge hike is one of my most favorite hikes!
The easiest way to start off this hike is to park on Nawiliwili Street and walk for a little (probably about a 1 – 2 minute walk) on Kalanianaole Highway towards the bay. Once you hit a small area where you’ll see a small paved water ditch, start going upwards through the bushes. You’ll see a dirt trail. It’ll cut right into the Hanauma Bay trail without having to go through the main entrance.
Although the beginning of the hike is paved, it is a cardio workout with a constant incline. Once you reach the first level off of the trail, you should see a dirt path to your left. That is the trail towards the rock bridge. For the most part (while in the dirt), you should be able to follow visible paths. Keep in mind, there is a mountainous, slippery/​dusty, rocky hill that you need to hike down (a bit harder for those that tend to slip easily, such as myself)…and of course, hike back up when returning. It is definitely a workout for your legs and lungs! :P Once you hit the lava rocks, you can pretty much use your own judgement as to which paths you want to take. Just keep in mind that the rock bridge is towards the right side of the mountain when looking towards the ocean.
When you reach your destination, you’ll be rewarded with a rocky area with little tidepools (not big enough to swim in) that the waves crash into, an amazing view of the horizon, and the infamous rock bridge. I have never personally been on top of the bridge seeing as I am a huge klutz and would most definitely slip and fall (also, each time I’ve gone… the waves were pretty big and kept crashing into the rock), but it is still a greast place for a photo op.
I would recommend bringing water. There is little to no shade on this hike… and if you are unlucky and go on a day with no tradewinds, you will probably be soaking with sweat. An added plus to this hike: each time I have gone, it isn’t crowded like ants on a lollipop. Unlike hikes like Koko Head, Maunawili Falls, and Makapu’u Lighthouse, I have yet to see very many people on this hike.

It was my first time hiking this trail and it was a perfect day to do so. The winds helped keep me cool as the sun was baking hot.
The entrance to the trail is to the right; before the drive down into Hanauma Bay. There is no public parking available at the trail entrance. Your options are either to park in Hanauma bay or at Koko Head district park. The gate to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was closed when we went so we just went under it. I think the gate is mainly used to keep cars out.
From my understanding Hanauma bay trail is a crater so you can either go clockwise or counter clockwise. Most people go the quickest way to the rock bridge, which is clockwise. In my opinion going clockwise has a steeper initial slope. Counter clockwise has a gradual slope down.
When I got to the rock bridge which was late in the morning, the waves were crashing high. So I didn’t attempt to stand on the bridge.
Overall is a beautiful easy hike with spectacular views of Hanauma Bay.

This is one of those «things» I have been wanting to do since we moved here 3 years ago. Now I wish we would have gone sooner so we could go more!
The views are breathtaking and the peacefulness you have on this hike is amazing. It is not a hard hike, but rather on a poorly paved road, but safe. There are no trespassing signs at the beginning of the trail, but that translates to enter at your own risk. However, stick to the road. There are worn paths from other hikers, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the terrain off the road is slightly unstable. Please don’t get all crazy and go down to baboon’s nose… its very dangerous. Plus, what is often easy to get to isn’t as easy getting back to safety. Please don’t put the life guards at Hanauma Bay at risk because you wanted to take a risk. There is plenty to take in and explore on the road from the bay, Koko Head, Sandy Beach, Diamond Head, and Hawaii Kai to name a few.
If you are lucky you can see Molokai and maybe even Lanai. Plus, you may be able to catch the whales as well.
My only issue with this hike is no shade and no place to really sit down to take a break. Not that I need one… but its nice to take in the views instead of go-go-go…then again… there is a no trespassing sign…

Decided to try the Hanauma Bay Hiking Trail for the first time on Thanksgiving morning :) One of the great perks of living in Hawaii~!
I’m guessing there are a couple ways to start this hike. We ended up parking in the residential area right next to Hanauma Bay and then walked up to this grassy area. I really don’t know how to describe it haha. We started here:

I’m not sure if it is always this way or if its just the time of year… But my first experience here was… well let me tell ya.
1) The Bee’s. WHERE EVERYWHERE. OMG. I swear to god there was over 100s bee’s flying around me. There was the big fat black ones AND the yellow bee’s! Way too much. I was so scared I was going to get stung. But thankfully no one in our group got attacked!
2) The wind. Holy poop is was so windy! It was so windy I felt like I was going to constantly fall over =/​ (and I actually did fall over a couple of times, but I think that was a combinations of the wind and my junk shoes). However, on a brighter note — I think its because of the wind that the bee’s didn’t sting us, they were too busy trying to fly in that crazy wind to notice us passing through them.
3) The rock bridge. The day we came the waves were really rough. We even got hit by one! And we weren’t even close to the edge! So none of us wanted to actually stand on the rock bridge cause it was way to dangerous. Even if the waves weren’t rough, why is this so cool? I mean I saw it but I don’t get it lol.
After when we were done to with the rock bridge and started hiking back up, we saw this plant
anyone know what it is?
Overall: I think I would have enjoyed this hike more if it wasn’t so windy and covered in bee’s. Luckily it was overcast so we didn’t get any sunburns. I thought it wasn’t so bad getting to the rock bridge. I think the hardest park is coming back. I know I had to personally take a couple breaks on the way up =_​_​_​= But on another brighter note, I got some good pictures on this hike :) I got some great photos from this hike :)

TIP– make sure you wear shoes that has good grip. The grip on my shoes were all worn out and I actually fell down a few times from slipping :(